No secret that I'm slow, not made any easier by the fact that I haven't had my swimming lessons nor could I train very well this winter. That said, I was two minutes slower than last year on a slightly longer course, so I stayed about the same.
This was a difficult swim, though, as the north wind kicked up a serious chop which was a beating for most of the race. Additionally, since the "lake" is ringed by walls, the waves bounce back and it just stays rough out there. There was a group of us slow-pokes bringing up the rear and, despite all the open water, we kept on beating on each other. Good practice, I guess. Then there was the guy who was off course coming back (white cap) and slammed me in the head knocking my goggles loose. That took a few seconds to recover from, too. I also started mildly cramping in my left calf with still several hundred meters to go, which sucked AND I just couldn't seem to force my arms past my hips, so I felt like I was short stroking the entire time. Despite all this, I didn't veer too far off course at any time, I didn't spend much time "breaststroking", and I had much more confidence over the same time last year. I'll take it.

Body glide my shoulders, pits and neck better. I was horribly chafed coming out of the water. Did I mention I need more swimming practice?

Gotta love the wetsuit strippers. I could have dropped some time, but I stopped to pee. Also, the 1/4 mile run from the swim timing mat adds a good bit of time to the transition. It was a longer run than last year.

First of the season, putting on socks and extra clothes for the cold, windy, bike ride...probably wouldn't have done much differently.

No one works in those office parks on Sundays so the roads were nearly deserted. There were some major roads we were on, however and only 1 cop screwed up by allowing too many cars to turn left between me and the previous bike. Fortunately, the driver was paying attention and stopped for me. Other cops also stopped him when I shouted out. It wasn't too close, but still shouldn't have happened.

Oh, you know, ride more than twice before a race.

This transition seemed to take a bit more time. I did shed the vest and exchange the beanie for a running cap, but I'm at a loss to explain the seemingly lengthy time.

I'm working on it.

I fell in with a Half-er who wanted to run around a 9 min. pace. We were averaging about 8:45 and visiting (he's a 5 time IMer). We parted ways at my turn and, downwind, I increased my speed. Wind was surprisingly not a factor (except for one small section in the last 1.5 miles) as a lot of the trail was protected by trees. Cool temperatures were a bonus and, best of all, NO KNEE PAIN! The IT band appears to be officially healed. I was very pleased to turn in this pace after the serious lack of training this winter.

As for this run, nothing. I paced myself well and hydrated as I had wanted to. Aid stations were better spaced this year, too.

water, accelerade, bagels, oranges, bananas, walk around, find Jill, sit in the warm sun out of the crisp wind. It was all good at that time.


obviously, swimming is still too slow to even be a factor in the AG (bike and run are, too), so more training. I could have pushed both the bike and run a bit, but was very conscious of the knee and didn't want to come up lame or have another setback.


They do a nice job with the overall atmosphere and the communication system was far superior to last year's. I had debated not doing it, but since the money was spent, figured might as well. Glad I did. Despite the tough swim and sore shoulders, I had a good time.